Tool monitor and assembly qualifier

ABSTRACT

This counting apparatus is a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressure tool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The device monitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to &#34;learn&#34; the pressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process. This assembly qualifier is a device that monitors either the pressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torque of a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool shut off at a target torque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts off the tool.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a tool monitor and assembly qualifier thatverifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properlyinstalled into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressuretool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The devicemonitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to "learn" thepressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process.

BACKGROUND ART

Industry long has used compressed-air screw or bolt tighteners having adriving motor which drives a driving shaft for a screwing or tighteningtool. The motor is operated by compressed air and a control valve forswitching the compressed-air supply on or off. A pressure-regulatingvalve is used to regulate the screw or bolt tightener. While I usecompressed air by way of example, fluids such as oil, electric currentand mechanical pressure also can drive the tool. Programmablecontrollers and computers also are known to be a part of the closed loopfor monitoring and controlling the driving force of the tool. See U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,439,063 and 5,592,396. None of these monitors and controls,however, verify a proper fastener torque or count. They merely controlthe force of the tool.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

This assembly qualifier is a counting apparatus that monitors either thepressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torqueof a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool has shutoff at a targettorque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts offthe tool. While many versions may exist, I will discuss four differentversions of the assembly qualifier. They are:

Version A--used on single ported air tools;

Version B--used for dual port air tools;

Version C--used with electrical tools; and

Version D--used with mechanical "click" (torque) wrenches.

Version A, single ported air tools will illustrate the system.

The system for monitoring a compressed air driven tool includes atransducer for measuring air pressure at a compressed air inlet to thetool and converting it into an electrical signal representative of theair pressure, means for electrically computationally processing theelectrical signal into another signal representing at least oneparameter corresponding to a condition of the tool being monitored whichis a function of the air pressure, wherein the means for electricallyprocessing the signal includes a programmed microprocessor configured toidentify a portion of the signal representative of the air pressurecorresponding to the parameter, and a means for displaying theparameter.

The programmed microprocessor is configured to identify a portion of thesignal representative of the air pressure corresponding to a completedcycle. The configuration also allows for identification of an incompletecycle and a multiple counting of completed cycle (double hit). Acompleted cycle occurs when a tool drives a fastener to the targettorque. An incomplete cycle occurs when a tool drives a fastener anddoes not reach the target torque. A double hit occurs when a tool drivesa fastener that has previously been tightened to the target torque.

To do this, the programmed microprocessor is configured to identify andstore the parameter of a first period of time for the air pressure toattain a first predetermined range. The microprocessor also isconfigured to identify and store a second period of time for the airpressure to attain a second predetermined range.

The programmed microprocessor counts a completed cycle when the measuredair pressure is the same as the identified and stored parameter. Theprogrammed microprocessor identifies a multiple count (double hit) whenthe air pressure during the first period of time does not (or fails toattain) exceed the first predetermined range. The programmedmicroprocessor also identifies an incomplete count when the air pressureduring the second period of time fails to attain the secondpredetermined range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for a monitoring system for an air tool usinga single port air pressure format.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for a monitoring system for an air tool usinga dual port air pressure format.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for a monitoring system for an electrical toolusing an output current level format.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for a monitoring system for an mechanical toolusing a mechanical output format.

FIG. 5A is a graph of a completed cycle from the tool of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a graph of a double hit from the tool of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5C is a graph of an incomplete cycle of the tool of FIG. 1

FIG. 6A is a graph of a completed cycle from the tool of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6B is a graph of a double hit of the tool of FIG. 2

FIG. 6C is a graph of an incomplete cycle of the tool of FIG. 2

FIG. 7A is a graph of a completed cycle from the tool of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7B is a graph of a double hit of the tool of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7C is a graph of an incomplete cycle of the tool of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7D is a graph of an incomplete cycle of the tool of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8A is a graph of a completed cycle from the tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8B is a graph of a double hit of the tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8C is a graph of an incomplete cycle of the tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a typical display of the signal from asystem according to this invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates version A a single port air tool. FIG. 1 shows airtool 10 connected to pressure transducer 12. Transducer 12 converts airpressure from the air inlet to tool 10 to electrical signals. A/Dconverter 14 receives the electrical signal from transducer 12 andconverts them into binary code for use by microprocessor 16 and EEPROM18. EEPROM 18 memorizes tool count characteristics and tool settings forup to four tools. Display 20 shows information as FIG. 9 depicts.

Transistor 22 connects microprocessor 16 to alarm 24 which indicates badtool cycles (incomplete) and completed tool cycles. Relays 26 are NO orNC momentary or latching relay outputs. Output 1 provides a signal on abad cycle (incomplete). Output 2 provides a signal on a completed cycleand output 3 provides a signal on a batch completion. Key pad 28 givesinstructions to the system through micropressor 16.

When the unit first powers up, it enters assembly mode. If the unit is"locked", the assembly function is the only mode the user is allowed toaccess. When the unit is unlocked, the mode button allows the user topage through different features, including the assembly mode.

When entering the assembly mode, ASSY is displayed while the mode buttonis depressed. See FIG. 9. When the mode button is released, the userwill see an A (signifying the parameter being used), an up or down arrow(informing the user which direction the unit is counting), and a twodigit number. Units featuring the parameter selection switch willdisplay an A, B, C or D, depending upon which tool has been selected bythe switch. See FIG. 9.

If the unit is counting upward, every successful cycle will incrementthe counter on the display by one. Once the present number of screws inthe assembly is reached, the count is reset to zero. If the unit iscounting down, the preset will appear as the two digit number. Everysuccessful cycle will decrement the count by one. Once zero is reached,the unit will reset the display to the preset. Every screw that issuccessfully completed lights the ACCEPT LED.

Upon completion of an assembly cycle, a double beep occurs and theassembly relay fires and then releases. The user may select whether therelay are normally OPEN or CLOSED by changing switch 1 on the S1 dipswitch. The relay values may either be latching or momentary based uponthe setting of switch 2 on the S1 dip switch.

Double hits on the same screw are ignored by the counter. If the tool isrun in reverse or does not complete a cycle while tightening a screw,the REJECT LED is lit and the alarm lets out a short beep. When theREJECT LED comes on, a second relay fires. A status of that relay isalso governed by the dip switch settings on switch 1 and switch 2.

The user may press the set/reset button to clear the present count. Oncethe user presses the set/reset button, the display will begin to flash.If the button is held long enough (approximately three seconds), thecount will be reset to zero if the unit is counting up or the preset ifthe unit is counting down.

Setpoint Mode

When the unit is unlocked, the mode button will allow the user to accessthe setpoint mode. Upon entering the setpoint mode, the display willread STPA (if parameter set A is in use) until the mode button isreleased. Units that feature the tool selection switch will have varyingmessages when entering this mode. STPA, STPB, STBC or STPD may bedisplayed in order to alert the user which tool's setpoint is beingviewed. Once the mode button is released, the display will read S(signifying setpoint mode), an up or down arrow (informing the userwhich direction the unit is counting), and a two digit number.

The two digit number is the preset number of screws in an assembly. Thispreset and the direction the unit counts is programmable in this state.If one or more of these parameters needs changed, the user may press theset/reset button. The entire display will begin flashing. If theset/reset button is held long enough, the display will stop flashing andonly the least significant digit (LSD) of the preset will continue toflash. Using the UP or DOWN button, the user can change the digitsvalue. Once the desired value is reached, pressing the set/reset buttonwill accept that digit and the most significant digit (MSD) in thepreset will begin flashing. The MSD can be adjusted in the same manneras the LSD.

After adjusting the MSD and pressing the set/reset button, the directionarrow will begin flashing. Pressing the up key will display an up arrow.Pressing the down key will cause the unit to display a down arrow.Pressing the set/reset will save the direction to as part of theparameter set in EEPROM memory.

At any point during the previously described process, the user may pressthe mode button. Pressing the mode button will allow the user to exitgracefully without saving a new preset.

If the unit contains a selector switch, changing the setpoint onlyeffects the current tool setting. Therefore, the user can create up tofour different count scenarios.

Total Mode

Pressing the mode button in setpoint mode will send the user to totalmode. While the mode button is still depressed TTLA will be displayed(if parameter set A is selected). If the unit contains a selectorswitch, the message could vary as follows: TTLA, TTLB, TTLC or TTLDdepending on the position of the switch.

After the mode button is released, the display will show a four digitnumber that represents the total number of units that have beencompleted. For example, if the preset was four it would take four screwsto increment the total by one. Units that have a selector switch cankeep track of four separate totals. Changing the selector switch at thispoint will allow the user to view all four of the totals.

When the total is incremented, a short double beep may occur dependingon the setting of switch 3 on dip switch S1. The total can be reset tozero by pressing the set/rest button. The display will flash forapproximately three seconds while the user holds the set/rest button. Atthe end of the three seconds, if the set/reset button is still held, thetotal will then be reset to zero. Only the total being viewed will becleared on units that have the selector switch. Other totals will remainintact unless cleared in a similar fashion.

Any time the total changes, the value is stored in the units EEPROM.Therefore, powering the unit down does not cause the unit to "forget"the total.

Calibration Modes

The calibration modes are not intended to be accessed on a day-to-daybasis. But an occasion may arise that the end user would have to haveaccess to these modes. If a different tool is used or if the counterwould stop counting properly, the calibration modes could help diagnoseand correct problems.

It is purposely difficult to enter the calibration mode, so that theuser does not end up there by accident.

The unit must be unlocked and in assembly mode if the user wishes toenter calibration mode. If the mode button is pressed and held followedby the set/reset button being pressed, calibration mode is entered.

Tool Calibration A, B, C and D

The first stage in the calibration modes is the tool calibration. Whilethe mode button is pressed, CLBR will be displayed. Once the mode buttonis released TOOL will remain on the display. Pressing the SET/RESETbutton will cause the unit to display the live analog values. ForVersions A and B, those analog values would represent pressures. InVersion D, the value will represent the state of the torque switch. InVersion C, the analog values represent current on the forward andreverse current channels.

This mode may be used to diagnose if the tool and circuit are workingproperly. If, while running the tool, the user does not see the analogvalues rise and fall, the user should investigate the problem. A faultypressure current transducer, a twisted or broken air hose connection, ora faulty tool could cause this to happen.

The microprocessor monitors the analog values during this mode. In orderto calibrate the counter, the tool should be run in the air so that themicroprocessor can monitor the analog values associated with the "freerunning" condition. In Version C, the user should run the tool both inforward and reverse. After running the tool in the air, the user canpress the set/reset button to accept new tool calibration set points.Or, the user may elect to press the mode button and exit the toolcalibration mode without altering the set points.

In order to work with some tools, it may be best to choose a higheranalog value for this set point. The user can monitor the analog valuesin the calibration mode and see the range of values the assemblyqualifier sees. As a blot is run down, the analog value should rise to amaximum at shut-off. After monitoring a complete cycle, the user shouldexit the tool calibration mode and re-enter it. While in the calibrationmode the second time, press the SET button at the pressure that isdesired for a calibration point. Do not do this during the same cyclethat a complete run-down has occurred. The assembly qualifier willremember the maximum analog value it sees in this mode.

The parameter switch should remain in one location throughoutcalibration. The calibration values are parameter switch dependent.Therefore, four different calibrations can be stored in order to allowthe user to switch between tools or joint settings.

Threshold Percentage

After the user presses set/reset or mode in order to complete the toolcalibration, the unit will enter threshold mode. When entering thismode, the unit will display THRx where x is either A, B, C or Drepresenting the parameter set that is being adjusted. When the modebutton is released, the unit will display TH and a two digit number. Thetwo digit number represents the percentage of the analog values thatwill be subtracted (or added and subtracted in the case of Version B) tothe free run analog value in order to create a calibration window.

In Version A and D

If the maximum analog value during free run was 60 and the threshold isset to 10 percent, then a lower count window will be created at 54.

In Version B

If the maximum analog value during free run was 60 and the threshold isset to 10 percent, then a lower counter window is created at 54 and anupper count window is created at 66.

In Version C

If the maximum analog value during free run on the forward channel was60 and the maximum on the reverse channel was 50 then a lower countwindow will be set for the forward channel at 54 and a lower countwindow will be set for the reverse channel at 45.

The threshold is adjustable from 2 to 65 percent. Pressing the set/resetbutton will allow the user to adjust this value. Pressing the modebutton will send the unit into the next mode.

Timer X Set Point

When the unit enters this mode TMXz will be displayed, where z willeither be an A, B, C or D depending on the parameter set that is beingadjusted. Once the mode button is released, TX and a two digit numberwill appear on the display. The two digit number represents a time in 10ms increments. This number is adjustable from 00 to 99 (or 10 ms to 990ms). Timer X's use is version dependent.

In Version A, Timer X is the amount of time the analog inlet value mustremain above the count window to be legitimate. In Version B, Timer X isthe amount of time the analog inlet value must remain inside the countwindow before rising above it in order for a legitimate count to occur.In Version D, Timer X is used as a de-bounce timer. The signal isignored until it has remained above the count window for this amount oftime. In Version C, Timer X is the amount of time the forward channel'sanalog value must be above the count window for a legitimate count tooccur. If Timer X is made to be zero or too small, the counter may befooled by running the tool in the air, running the tool in reverse, ornot tightening the screw completely. If Timer X is made to be too large,short screws may be ignored.

Timer Y Set Point

When the unit enters this mode, TMYz will be displayed where z willeither be an A, B, C or D depending on the parameter set that is beingadjusted. Once the mode button is released, TY and a two digit numberwill appear on the display. The two digit number represents a time in 10ms increments. This number is adjustable from 00 to 99 (or 10 ms to 990ms). Timer Y's use is version dependent.

In Version A, Timer Y is used to determine if the exhaust signal waspresent for an appropriate amount of time. In Version B, Timer Y is usedto determine if the inlet signal remained above the count window longenough. In Version D, Timer Y is used to determine if the torque switchremained closed long enough to be a valid count. In Version C, Timer Yis used to determine if the analog value on the reverse channel remainedabove its count threshold long enough to be considered valid. If Timer Yis made to be zero or too small, the counter may be fooled by runningthe tool in the air, running the tool in reverse, or not tightening thescrew completely. If Timer Y is made to be large, short screws may beignored.

View Total

The view total mode has two options yes or no. If the user chooses yes,the unit will be allowed to toggle between assembly and total mode whenthe unit is locked. If the user chooses no, only the assembly mode willbe visible when the unit is locked. VTOT will be on the display untilthe user releases the mode button. Then both a "Y" and an "N" will bevisible. Either the Y or N will be flashing. To switch between the yesand no states, the user must press the UP and DOWN button. Once the unitis in the desired state, pressing SET will save the VTOT information.Pressing mode allows the user to exit without saving new information.

Counting Function

The counting function is dependent of the mode the unit is in. Thismeans that the user may perform adjustments and calibrations "on thefly" without losing track of which assembly or screw has been completed.

FIG. 5A is a graph of the programming for version A in FIG. 1 for acompleted cycle. FIG. 5B is a graph of a double hit showing no free runpressure, but a straight line to max pressure. FIG. 5C is a graph of anincomplete cycle which stays at free run pressure and never reaches maxpressure. TY never starts because the pressure never rises above thecalibration window.

FIG. 2 shows dual port air tool 10 DP (version B). Air pressuretransducer 12A is connected to tool 10's inlet and air pressuretransducer 12B is connect to tool 10's exhaust outlet. Both transducersthen connect to A/D converter. The remainder of FIG. 2 is the same asFIG. 1.

FIG. 6A shows a graph of the programming for air tool 10 DP in FIG. 2.FIG. 6B shows a double hit where the exhaust curve is a short, fastspike instead of the exhaust curve of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows anincomplete count where the exhaust curve is long and exceeds time TY. TXnever starts because pressure is below calibration window at end ofexhaust curve.

FIG. 3 shows electric current mode (version C). Electric tool 10E isconnected to A/D converter 14 through current transducer 12E and 12E'.The current transducers are hall effect transducers. Current transducer12E measures the forward current channel of electric tool 10E andcurrent transducer 12E' measure the reverse current channel of tool 10E.The remainder of FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A shows the graph for a program for a completed cycle of electrictool 10E in FIG. 3. FIG. 7B shows a double hit where both curves areshort spike to max current. FIG. 7C shows an incomplete cycle where thereverse channel never engages. FIG. 7D shows an incomplete cycle wherethe forward channel never provides current to the tool. Time TX is zero.

FIG. 4 shows mechanical tool 10M (version D). Torque switch 12M is anelectrically stimulated switch that provides an electrical signal uponthe mechanical wrench reaching target torque. Here AD converter 14 readsthe closure of micro torque switch 12M and converts it into binary code.The AD converter reads the voltage of the torque switch. The voltage isan analog representation.

FIG. 8A shows a completed cycle for mechanical tool 10M where the maxvoltage of torque switch 12M is reached across both time cycles. FIG. 8Bshows a double hit where max voltage is reached for a very short periodof time less than TX. A cycle less than TX is ignored by the counter.FIG. 8C shows an incomplete cycle where max voltage is not held for thepredetermined length of time TY.

The tools used with this invention are conventional and well known inthe art. The labeled rectangular box of the Figures adequately representthem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,578 illustrates air tools and relatedcomponents which one could use with the monitor of the invention. U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,567,886 and 5,592,396 disclose other fluid driven toolsusing compressed air, electronics or mechanical advantage which dependupon torque to perform their operation. The monitor of our invention isused with no modification to the tool. Measuring the parametersdiscussed provides the necessary input to the monitor/assembly qualifierwe claim. The monitor of this invention does not control the tool. Thekey is measure a parameter and use it to verify what the tool does. Themonitor of this invention is a counting apparatus.

I claim:
 1. A system for monitoring a compressed air driven toolcomprising:a transducer for measuring air inlet pressure to the tool andconverting the air pressure into an electrical signal representative ofthe air pressure; means for electrically computationally processing theelectrical signal into another signal representing at least oneparameter corresponding to a condition of the tool being monitored whichis a function of the air pressure, wherein the means for electricallyprocessing the signal includes a programmed microprocessor configured toIdentify a portion of the signal representative of the air pressurecorresponding to the parameter; and a means for displaying theparameter, wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured to counta completed cycle when the measured air pressure is the same as theidentified and stored parameter, wherein the programmed microprocessoris configured to identify a portion of the signal representative of theair pressure of the tool driving a fastener to its target torque andsuccessfully completing a cycle, and wherein the programmedmicroprocessor is configured to count a completed cycle, store the countand generate signals when the measured air pressure is the same as theidentified and stored parameter.
 2. A system according to claim 1wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured to identify andstore a portion of the air pressure as a calibration value.
 3. A systemaccording to claim 2 wherein the programmed microprocessor is configuredto identify and store the parameter of a threshold corresponding to thecalibration value.
 4. A system according to claim 1 wherein theprogrammed microprocessor is configured to identify and store theparameter of a first period of time for the air pressure to attain afirst predetermined range and also is configured to identify and store asecond period of time for the air pressure to attain a secondpredetermined range, wherein the programmed microprocessor is configuredto identify a multiple count when the air pressure during the firstperiod of time fails to attain the first predetermined range and whereinthe programmed microprocessor is configured to identify an incompletecount when the air pressure during the second period of time fails toattain the second predetermined range.
 5. A system according to claim 1wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured to identify aportion of the signal representative of air pressure of the tool drivinga fastener and not reaching target torque and unsuccessfully completinga cycle, wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured to generatesignals when a cycle is completed unsuccessfully.
 6. A system accordingto claim 1 wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured toidentify a portion of the signal representative of the air pressure ofthe tool driving a fastener that has previously been tightened to thetarget torque, wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured togenerate signals when a fastener has been previously tightened.
 7. Asystem for monitoring a compressed air driven tool comprising:atransducer for measuring air inlet pressure to the tool and convertingthe air pressure into an electrical signal representative of the airinlet pressure; a transducer for measuring air exhaust outlet pressurefrom the tool and converting the air pressure into an electrical signalsrepresentative of the air exhaust outlet pressure; means forelectrically computationally processing the electrical signals intoother signals representing at least one parameter corresponding to acondition of the tool being monitored which is a function of the airpressures, wherein the means for electrically processing the signalsincludes a programmed microprocessor configured to identify a portion ofthe signal representative of the air pressure corresponding to theparameter; and a means for displaying the parameter, wherein theprogrammed microprocessor is configured to count a completed cycle whenthe measure air pressures are the same as the identified and storedparameter, wherein the programmed microprocessor is configured toidentify a portion of the signal representative of the air pressures ofthe tool driving a fastener to its target torque and successfullycompleting a cycle, and wherein the programmed microprocessor isconfigured to count a completed cycle, store the count and generatesignals when the measured air pressures is the same as the identifiedand stored parameters.
 8. A system according to claim 7 wherein theprogrammed microprocessor is configured to identify and store a portionof the inlet air pressure signal and the exhaust air pressure signal ascalibration values.
 9. A system according claim 8 wherein the programmedmicroprocessor is configured to identify and store the parameter of athreshold corresponding to the inlet air pressure value.
 10. A systemaccording to claim 7 wherein the programmed microprocessor is configuredto identify and store the parameter of a first period of time for theair pressures to attain a first predetermined range and is alsoconfigured to identify and store a second period of time for the airpressures to attain a second predetermined range, wherein the programmedmicroprocessor is configured to identify a multiple count when the airpressures during the first period of time fail to attain the firstpredetermined range and wherein the programmed microprocessor isconfigured to identify an incomplete count when the air pressures duringthe second period of time fail to attain the second predetermined range.11. A system according to claim 7 wherein the programmed microprocessoris configured to identify a portion of the signal representative of airpressure of the tool driving a fastener and not reaching target torqueand unsuccessfully completing a cycle, wherein the programmedmicroprocessor is configured to generate signals when a cycle iscompleted unsuccessfully.
 12. A system according to claim 7 wherein theprogrammed microprocessor is configured to identify a portion of thesignal representative of the air pressures of driving a fastener thathas previously been tightened to the target torque, wherein theprogrammed microprocessor is configured to generate signals when afastener has been previously tightened.